Meet Eric Nwokocha | Photographer & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Nwokocha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the most important factor behind any of my success is being authentically me in any space that I’m in.

One of the things I hear a ton from other aspiring and even established photographers and other business owners is the concept of an “oversaturated market,” also known as the “concept of too many people doing what you want to do so there’s no point in even trying.”

And I think that’s so bogus because there’s no one in any space that can offer what you, or I, or anyone can offer, because they can’t offer you.

I think being fully myself 100% of the time frees me from comparison, allows me to put my unique perspective on anything, whether that’s a concert, photoshoot, video, or anything else, and allows people, clients, and followers to connect with a real person, not just their work, and I think they appreciate that.

I’m sure there are more “talented” photographers than me, as there should be, and yet some people choose to work with me anyway, and I think that is due in part to the fact that they can connect with me. The authenticity and letting people in allows them to do that.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I first had an interest in photography when I was a senior in high school, because I was on the yearbook staff and got my first mini extra tiny taste of photojournalism.

I had always been interested since then, but never put in enough effort to improve beyond taking pictures with my phone, until last year. Our church, the Faith Filled Church, was getting back into form post-pandemic, and one of the needs we had was new pictures of our pastors and services, which I took. From there, I had just been going to any local concert, show, or photo walk, and taking, editing, and delivering pictures of anyone and anything that was willing. I would go to concerts where I didn’t even know the artists performing, just because I wanted the experience to improve at concert photography. I’d take my friends to selfie museums and take pictures of them, and I’d volunteer to do any headshot, birthday shoot, or event available.

Slowly but surely I started to improve in the quality of my work, developed relationships with musicians, keep myself available, and it just started to grow from there, and now I take pictures of a whole bunch of things, from people, to landscapes, to real estate, to concerts, and I get to make visions real for a lot of people, including myself.

It wasn’t easy all the time, and it’s still not easy at times, but I find satisfaction in seeing the improvement in my photos from when I first started.

From my conceptual eye improving, to editing getting easier and more efficient, and continuing to push the creative boundaries, I try to have everything I do be as original and impressive as possible.

It’s still important for me to stay as far away as I can from comparison, to myself, to my friends, to other photographers, because that will keep me from being the full me that God made me to be, and negatively influence the work I put out.

I’d want the world to know that I’m literally a regular dude with a camera that’s benefiting from walking in the purpose God predestined for me way before I was born, and that I love making ideas and concepts come to real life artistically, whether that’s through photography, videography, design, or any other medium.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I’m still new to Dallas, and moved here from the Bay Area. Some of the cool spots I’ve been to so far include Deep Ellum, the Reunion Tower, Trees, and Klyde Warren Park. I’d definitely go to Six Flags in Arlington, watch a Rangers game, and go to the state fair,

For food I’d have to visit LSA burger, Bangkok city for Thai food, Blue goose, and Hattie B’s. I’m still learning and seeing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Literally my pastors, Pastor Joshua and Charmecia Okpara. It was literally their idea for me to turn photography into a business in any form, and I only started and dropped my first booking flyer to stay obedient to them.

Also, the Faith Filled Church, which is the best group of brothers and sisters and spiritual covering anyone can ask for, because I can literally lean on them to support, market, and back anything I do, even some of my more insane ideas.

Website: Ericnwokocha.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/nwokocha__

Twitter: Twitter.com/nwokocha__

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eric-Nwokocha-Photography-108982171691549/

Image Credits
Jaye Hill